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Our at-a-glance guide will help you compare Apple TV models
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:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SamCostello-d7fcf106ec2048ccb06d1e2190b3396d.jpg "Full Details on Every Generation of the Apple TV (1)")
Updated on August 4, 2023
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GlamProfile-7bfa34647d8e4c8e82097cc1daf8f5ec.jpeg "Full Details on Every Generation of the Apple TV (2)")
Reviewed byJessica Kormos
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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In This Article
- Apple TV Comparison Chart
- Which Model Should You Buy?
- Extra: Compare With Other Streaming Options
Most models of the Apple TV look confusingly similar: they're pocket-sized devices that resemble extra-large, square hockey pucks. Sure, the Apple TV 4K is about twice as tall as the third-generation model, but that's a pretty subtle difference.
The relatively similar outsides actually conceal a lot of difference. The things that separate the 2nd and 5th generation Apple TV models, for instance, are huge.
The newest model — the Apple TV 4K released in 2022, which isthe 5th generation — has a number of obvious differences and is a revolutionary improvement over earlier Apple TV models.But do a little careful reading or you'll think the 2nd and 3rd generation models appear identical. (They aren't.)
What to Know About This Guide
We are Apple TV fans who feast on the subtle differences of each model but know most people aren't the Apple geeks we are. We developed this chart to help you understand how the models differ by comparing the features, benefits, and specifications of each Apple TV generation.
Apple TV Comparison Chart
| 3rd Gen. Apple TV 4k | 2nd Gen. Apple TV 4K | Apple TV 4K | 4th Gen. Apple TV | 3rd Gen. Apple TV | 2nd Gen. Apple TV | 1st Gen. Apple TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2022 | 2021 | 2017 | 2015 | 2013 | 2010 | 2007 |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A12 Bionic | Apple A10X Fusion | Apple A8 | Apple A5 | Apple A4 | 1 GHz Intel Crofton Pentium M |
| Storage | 64GB 128GB | 32GB 64GB | 32GB 64GB | 32GB 64GB | 8GB | 8GB | 40GB 160GB |
| App Store | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Games | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Siri | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Universal Voice Search | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Maximum Video Resolution | 2160p | 2160p | 2160p | 1080p | 1080p | 720p | 720p |
| Dolby 5.1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dolby 7.1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| HDR10 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Interfaces | HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, IR Receiver | HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, IR Receiver | HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, IR Receiver | HDMI, Ethernet, IR Receiver | HDMI, Ethernet, Optical Audio, IR Receiver | HDMI, Ethernet, Optical Audio, IR Receiver | HDMI, Component A/V, Optical Audio, Analog Audio, Ethernet, IR Receiver |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 | 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 | 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi | 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi | 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi |
| USB | No | No | No | USB-C | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | USB 2.0 |
| HomeKit Hub | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Remote Control | Siri Remote 3 | Siri Remote 2 | Siri Remote (touchpad & mic); black | Siri Remote (touchpad & mic); black | Apple Remote; aluminum | Apple Remote; aluminum | Apple Remote; white |
| Weight | 7.3 oz (Wi-Fi); 7.5 oz (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) | 15 oz | 15 oz | 15 oz | 9.2 oz | 9.2 oz | 2.4 lbs |
| Size (inches) | 3.66 x 3.66 x 1.2 | 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 | 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 | 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.3 | 3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9 | 3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9 | 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.1 |
Which Apple TV Model Should You Buy?
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For almost all people, the answer is the Apple TV 4K. You can usually find the past two generations available for sale, but if you can afford it, you should spring for the newest one with the most storage.
Doing so ensures that you get the most updated features, and it will likely be compatible with your other devices longer.
The current generation of Apple TV 4K comes in both Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi/Ethernet options. Functionally, they're the same, but Ethernet can provide a more stable connection if your internet service isn't reliable.
If your Apple TV isn't going to be near your router, however, and you don't want to run a long cable, Wi-Fi will be the better option.
Both 1st generation models, the 2nd generation, and 3rd generation Apple TV are nolonger available from Apple, but you may still find them used. While they were good models when they debuted, we no longer recommend them, as they don't support the most recent technologies.
Comparing Apple TV to Other Streaming Options
The Apple TV isn't the only device that plugs into your TV and lets you stream video, play games, and more. In addition to comparing Apple TV models, you should also compare the Apple TV with Google Chromecast and Roku.
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